Air India has announced rerouting of flights to Europe, North America, and parts of the Middle East due to escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The move, made in consultation with security advisors, aims to avoid volatile airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Israel. Passengers may experience longer travel times, as the airline prioritises operational safety and crew welfare.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Tata-owned Air India confirmed it will now progressively steer clear of certain zones within the Persian Gulf airspace. This includes flights bound for the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. The airline already avoids Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace and will expand rerouting measures to mitigate exposure to risk-prone regions amid heightened geopolitical volatility.
The airline acknowledged that this will likely increase flight durations on some routes, particularly those connecting to the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The changes may impact scheduling and punctuality, but Air India assured that these steps are precautionary, aligning with advisories from external security consultants and global aviation standards during times of regional unrest.
“Passenger and crew safety remain our top priorities,” a spokesperson for the airline said, adding that real-time monitoring of the geopolitical situation is underway. Air India is prepared to adopt additional operational adjustments if the threat level changes. Passengers will be notified in advance of any significant rescheduling or disruptions, the airline confirmed.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, where any disruption in airspace access can ripple across global aviation networks. Historically, airlines have rerouted to avoid conflict zones to prevent security breaches or accidental encounters with military activity. The move is in line with international aviation protocols observed during periods of geopolitical instability.
Air India’s rerouting strategy, though disruptive, reflects the evolving reality of flying through conflict-adjacent regions. With increased tensions in the Gulf, aviation safety protocols now demand swift realignments. While passengers may face longer routes and delays, the airline’s proactive measures underline a clear commitment to risk management. For now, the skies may remain turbulent, but Air India is determined to prioritise safety over speed in uncertain times.
